Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio outlined that Cuba is preparing for a possible US military attack but hopes it does not happen, affirming Cuba’s right to self-defense while signaling willingness to engage in talks.

As Washington tightens economic pressure with sanctions that have cut fuel and energy supplies, Cuba has faced multiple nationwide blackouts and ongoing power shortages.

The Cuban government has reportedly refused a US embassy request to import diesel for generators amid the wider oil blockade.

Analysts note that Spiegel reports and broader correspondent coverage frame Cuba-US tensions within a regional crisis involving Venezuela oil politics and Russian support.

The power outage at the Nuevitas thermoelectric plant in Camaguey province was caused by an unexpected shutdown, with officials offering limited detail on the cause.

NBC News interviews indicate ongoing secret negotiations between Washington and Havana, though specific meeting details remain undisclosed.

US oil imports to Cuba have been halted since January, degrading the power sector and impacting tourism and air travel.

Following an extended nationwide blackout, Cuba’s grid has been restored but demand continues to exceed supply, sustaining energy stress.

Negotiations continue to address the energy blockade’s root causes, including the embargo on Venezuelan oil that worsened Cuba’s crisis.

The NBC interview coincides with Cuba facing a second nationwide blackout in under a week, underscoring persistent grid problems linked to aging infrastructure and the oil embargo.

January’s oil embargo and halted hydrocarbon supplies worsen Cuba’s power sector, with ripple effects on tourism and aviation.

White House and US officials denied reports that the US seeks a replacement for President Miguel Díaz-Canel in negotiations.